The evaluation of the effectiveness of virtual job fairs in the ICT sector in Bangladesh is a comprehensive study that seeks to assess the impact and outcomes of virtual job fairs as a recruitment strategy. With the rise of digital technologies and the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual job fairs have gained prominence as an alternative to traditional in-person job fairs.
The evaluation study examines various dimensions of virtual job fairs, including their reach, accessibility, efficiency, and effectiveness in connecting job seekers with potential employers in the ICT sector. It explores the experiences and perspectives of both job seekers and employers, gathering insights on the advantages, challenges, and overall satisfaction with the virtual job fair platform.
The study analyzes the effectiveness of virtual job fairs in terms of the number and quality of job opportunities presented, the efficiency of the recruitment process, and the level of engagement and interaction between job seekers and employers. It also assesses the impact of virtual job fairs on the ICT sector in terms of talent acquisition, skill development, and industry growth.
Through surveys, interviews, and data analysis, the evaluation study provides valuable evidence-based findings and recommendations to optimize the virtual job fair experience and maximize its effectiveness. It identifies best practices, identifies areas for improvement, and highlights strategies to enhance the impact and efficiency of virtual job fairs in the ICT sector.
The evaluation of virtual job fairs in the ICT sector in Bangladesh serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and organizations involved in recruitment and employment. By understanding the strengths and limitations of virtual job fairs, decision-makers can make informed decisions and develop strategies to foster a robust and inclusive job market in the digital era.
Despite several potential economic and social advantages especially during this Covid-19 pandemic time, virtual job fairs are rarely conducted in Bangladesh and other developing countries, and their effectiveness is unknown. Hence, by conducting a Randomized Control Trial (RCT) under the joint initiative between the Asian Development Bank (ADB), a Bangladesh online job platform, Bdjobs.com, and a research team of Florida International University (FIU), this study aims to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of virtual job fairs in Bangladesh. Additionally, this study aims to evaluate the impacts of a job preference signaling mechanism that allows job applicants to credibly express their true interests to employers.
The ADB has chosen MOMODa FOUNDATION, which is a research-oriented development organization in Bangladesh, as the survey firm for its rich experience in project implementation in collaboration with international academic and research institutions. As the survey firm, the MOMODa FOUNDATION will conduct two end-line surveys of employers and job seekers.
In the first phase of the project, an experienced survey team from the MOMODa is ready for pilot testing for this study. Based on the pilot testing, the MOMODa Team will assess the procedure used for testing, check product readiness for full-scale implementation, better decisions on time and resource allocation, target the population’s reaction to the study, and measure success of the study. It will also give the team a chance to practice activities they will use for a usability test. The number of total 2560 employers survey completed which is 94.18% of the total sample.
The ADB has extended this project’s second phase by 2000 employers who took part in the ICT virtual job fair organized jointly by Bdjobs.com, FIU, and ADB. In this phase, the 1st end-line survey has been conducted from July 2022 to August 2022 and the 2nd end-line survey will be conducted from January 2023 to February 2023.
The purpose of the study is to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of virtual job fairs and job preference signaling. Project Investigator Dr. Norihiko Matsuda from the Florida International University (FIU), USA find out this research will help and improve future virtual job fairs and job search platforms.